8.30pm – The Foreign Minister in the Howard government, Alexander Downer, has been awarded an Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours list.
Downer served as Foreign Minister from 1996 until the Coalition was defeated in 2007. He served briefly as Liberal leader and Leader of the Opposition in 1994-5. His OAM is for eminent service to the Parliament of Australia through the advancement of international relations and foreign policy.
Details of the 571 recipients of Australia Day honours will be announced at midnight but SBS Radio has revealed some details of the awards.
Downer’s OAM comes at a time when his name is being mentioned as a possible replacement for South Australian Liberal leader Isobel Redmond.
According to the SBS broadcast, other recipients of awards include AFL coach David Parkin and television presenter Clive James.
Maggie Lynch has received an award for her services to multicultural education.
Juliana Nkrumah has been honoured for her work with refugee women.
The widow of Eddie Mabo, Ernestine Bonita Mabo, has been awarded an Order of Australia for distinguished service on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Bruce Walker has received an award for significant service to the Indigenous communities of remote Australia and to the sport of cricket.
- Listen to the SBS broadcast revealing details of the Honours (9m)
